Endodontics
Endodontics focuses on the soft tissue within a tooth (pulp), which consists of connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.
Endodontists perform treatments such as root canals in order to eliminate the need for extraction following infection or injury.
What else does an endodontist do?
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth
- Dental Fractures
- Dislodged Teeth
- Infection
- Knocked Out (Avulsed) Teeth
- Loose Teeth
- Root Fractures
- Sensitive Teeth
- Split Teeth
- Tooth Pain
Endodontists Specialize in Saving Teeth
Special Training
Endodontists complete two or more years of additional education beyond dentistry school. Less than three percent of dentists are endodontists.
Saving Teeth
In many cases, an endodontist can save a diseased or damaged tooth, helping you avoid the need for an extraction.
Pain Management
Endodontists learn advanced techniques for managing pain during treatment. They are often experts in administering numbing medication, even for patients who traditionally have issues with anesthesia.
- Apicoectomy
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Fillings
- Endodontic Retreatment
- Endodontic Surgery
- Intentional Reimplantation
- Root Canal Treatment
- Stabilizing Splints
- Tooth Extractions
The Most Common Endodontic Procedure Is Root Canal Therapy
Cutting-Edge Techniques and Diagnostic Tools
Endodontists use materials and equipment designed to make your treatment both effective and comfortable. State-of-the-art tools such as digital x-rays and 3D cone beam CT imaging make diagnosis and treatment planning more efficient.
According to the American Association of Endodontics (AAE), the space inside a root canal is smaller than FDR's ear on a dime. Without specialized equipment, it is easy to miss affected areas during a root canal treatment, causing recurring infection. Endodontists use operating microscopes to view the tiny spaces within the root canals for thorough treatment with lasting benefits.
"By limiting their practice to endodontics, endodontists focus exclusively on treatments of the dental pulp. They complete an average of 25 root canal treatments a week, while general dentists typically do two." The American Association of Endodontists
Things to Keep in Mind About Seeing an Endodontist
Endodontists are specialists, meaning patients are often referred to them by their general dentists. However, you may wish to see an endodontist directly if you have a traumatic injury or you already know you need a root canal.
Many endodontists will accept appointments without a referral, but be sure to check with your insurance company before scheduling one. Some providers require a referral before they will approve coverage.
Trust Your Dental Health to a Specialist
Despite advancements in dental implants and other tooth replacement technology, nothing looks, feels, or functions like your natural teeth. When injury or infection occurs, an endodontist can save your tooth and protect your smile. If you have suffered dental trauma, are experiencing a toothache, or have been told you need an endodontic procedure, contact an endodontist today.
